The Tolerability and Safety of Psilocybin in Psychiatric and Substance-Dependence Conditions: A Systematic Review
Annals of Pharmacotherapy October 30, 2023 Dana Kaminski, Justin P. Reinert 21 citations
A systematic review of 16 clinical trials found that psilocybin is generally well tolerated in patients with psychiatric or substance-dependence conditions. The most common side effects were temporary nausea and headache. Some participants experienced transient anxiety, and three received a benzodiazepine for severe anxiety during the session. Psilocybin caused modest increases in blood pressure and heart rate, with one participant requiring an antihypertensive for sustained high blood pressure. No cases of psilocybin-induced psychosis or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder were reported. The evidence suggests psilocybin has a favorable safety profile and may offer an alternative treatment for patients who do not respond to standard therapies.